Wines Bolgheri Tenuta Guado al Tasso - San Walfredo - 2016

Viniou Reviews

Tenuta Guado al Tasso’s Cuvée San Walfredo 2016 is a remarkable red wine from the Bolgheri DOC, emblematic of the modern renaissance this region has experienced. This wine is typically a structured blend, often featuring Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, vinified in a style that blends Tuscan intensity with French finesse. The 2016 vintage is noted for its balance and elegance, offering deeply coloured hues and intense aromatics. On the palate, you will find ripe dark berry fruits—blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry—layered with hints of tobacco leaf, cedar, sweet spice, and a touch of Mediterranean herbaceousness. The tannins are fine-grained and well-integrated, reflecting meticulous oak ageing and careful winemaking attention.

Bolgheri, a relatively young DOC established in the 1990s, is located along the Tuscan coast and is distinguished by its maritime influence. The proximity to the Tyrrhenian Sea results in warm days moderated by maritime breezes, protecting the grapes from excessive heat while allowing for slow, optimal ripening. Soils here are well-drained and varied, with a mixture of alluvial, sandy, and clay-rich patches, lending both ripeness and freshness to the wines. Bolgheri’s historical transformation from an undistinguished wine area into one of Italy’s most prestigious regions is largely attributable to pioneering estates like Tenuta Guado al Tasso, who introduced international varieties and modern techniques to spectacular effect.

For food pairings, Bolgheri reds such as this Cuvée San Walfredo excel with richly flavoured dishes. Consider pairing with bistecca alla fiorentina (Tuscan-style grilled steak), braised wild boar, or slow-cooked lamb with rosemary and garlic. For a regional touch, aged pecorino or pasta with a wild mushroom ragù will also complement the wine’s structure and complexity.

Serve this wine at 16-18°C. It is recommended to decant for about an hour to allow the aromatics to fully develop. This wine is already drinking beautifully, but it will continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade.